Tushil Commissioned: Strengthening India-Russia Defence Cooperation

Sub : Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News

Defence Minister is on a three-day visit to Russia for the commissioning of Tushil, a stealth guided missile frigate. The visit coincides with the 21st India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGCM & MTC), marking a significant milestone in bilateral defence relations.

Commissioning of Tushil:

Tushil is the first of two stealth guided missile frigates under construction in Russia.
The frigate belongs to the upgraded Krivak III class (Project 1135.6), which already includes six ships in service:
- Three Talwar-class ships built in St. Petersburg.
- Three Teg-class ships built at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad.

The frigate is named Tushil, a Sanskrit word meaning “Protector Shield,” signifying its defensive role.
Part of the P1135.6 class, also known as Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates.

Built as part of a bilateral agreement between India and Russia.
- Two ships constructed in Russia at the Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad.
- Two additional ships are being constructed in India at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
Incorporates advanced stealth technology to minimize radar and underwater noise signatures.
Designed for operations in blue waters (deep seas) and littoral zones (near-shore areas).
Equipped to conduct air, surface, and sub-surface warfare.
Capable of independent operations or as part of a naval task force.
Weapon Systems and Sensors:
- Surface-to-surface missiles.
- Advanced sonar systems and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems.
- Surface surveillance radar and communication suites.
- Surface-to-air missiles.
- Advanced gun mounts.

About India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC):

The IRIGC-MTC was established in 2000 as the apex bilateral forum to oversee military and military-technical collaboration between India and Russia.
It facilitates discussions on various military cooperation projects, including equipment production, joint ventures, and technical upgrades, signifying a shift from a buyer-seller dynamic to joint R&D and manufacturing.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov will co-chair the meeting in Moscow